Storms more likely: El Niño system raises typhoon risk

12:15 PM,
May 7, 2014

This file photo shows satelite imagery of Supertyphoon Pongsona. Pongsona and Supertyphoon Chata'an were spawned in 2002 by El Niño conditions, which scientists are predicting to return later this year. Pacific Daily News

Written by

Dance Aoki
Pacific Daily News

In 1997, a strong weather system called El Niño created conditions ideal for Supertyphoon Paka to hit Guam. El Niño also spawned Supertyphoons Pongsona and Chata'an, which hit the island in 2002.

Scientists are predicting similar El Niño conditions later this year -- the strongest indicators of the system in a decade -- and are preparing first responders for storms that may result from a moderate to strong El Niño.

National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Charles "Chip" Guard yesterday spoke to representatives from the military, the ...